A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the sum of N100 million over charges bordering on alleged breach of national security.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Monday, imposing strict conditions for the former governor’s release pending trial.

Strict Bail Conditions Imposed

The court ruled that El-Rufai’s surety must:

• Reside in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja
• Own landed property within the area
• Deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy with the court registry
• Be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17
• Provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months, authenticated by a bank manager

Justice Abdulmalik also ordered the surety to:

• Depose to an affidavit of means
• Enter into a bail bond
• Submit a recent passport photograph
• Present a verification letter from their department
• Provide a six-month tax clearance certificate

In addition, the former governor was directed to surrender all valid international passports to the court.

Monthly DSS Reporting Requirement

As part of the bail terms, El-Rufai must report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register until the matter is concluded.

The court warned that any violation of the conditions would lead to automatic revocation of the bail.

Justice Abdulmalik also instructed the former governor to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council.

DSS Files Amended Five-Count Charge

The bail ruling followed El-Rufai’s arraignment by the DSS on an amended five-count charge relating to alleged national security breaches.

The former governor had earlier been arraigned on April 23 before the same court, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During Monday’s proceedings, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution had filed a further amended charge and sought to replace the earlier three-count charge.

One of the amended counts alleges that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to court documents, the prosecution claimed El-Rufai admitted during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, that he intercepted Ribadu’s communications without authorization.

The offence was said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Defence Moves to Quash Charges

Counsel to El-Rufai, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and did not oppose the prosecution’s application to substitute the earlier counts.

The defence also informed the court of a pending bail application initially filed in February and subsequently submitted an application seeking to quash the amended charges.

However, the DSS urged the court to dismiss the application, arguing that it lacked merit.

After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter for further hearing.

Why This Story Matters

The case marks one of the most politically sensitive prosecutions involving a former governor in recent years, particularly given El-Rufai’s national political influence and past role within the ruling establishment.

The stringent bail conditions and the involvement of the DSS are likely to intensify public debate over national security laws, political accountability, and the widening tensions within Nigeria’s political elite ahead of the 2027 elections.